- Cody Gakpo is reportedly unhappy at Liverpool
- The player’s representatives have made Aston Villa aware of the situation
- Liverpool are not actively looking to sell Gakpo, but may consider if a significant offer arrives
Aston Villa have been formally alerted to the developing situation surrounding Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, as the Dutch international reportedly considers his future at Anfield, after the feeling he has dropped behind Rio Ngumoha in the pecking order.
The 27-year-old winger has found himself at a career crossroads on Merseyside, with his camp actively exploring potential landing spots after a testing campaign.
Liverpool’s recent managerial shake-up does not primarily drive Gakpo’s desire to seek a move. Instead, the situation has grown increasingly complicated due to the rise of teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha and the Reds’ pursuit of Yan Diomande.
The 17-year-old academy graduate has heavily impressed the Anfield hierarchy with explosive, direct performances, fast-tracking himself into senior consideration. Gakpo reportedly holds serious concerns about finding himself stuck behind Ngumoha in the pecking order next season.
While a change in management has occurred, the Dutchman firmly believes his restricted minutes will not improve under incoming head coach Andoni Iraola. This perceived lack of a pathway to regular football has prompted his camp to do due diligence on alternative opportunities.
According to TEAMtalk, Villa are one of eight clubs who have been made aware of Gakpo’s situation.
Tactical fit at Villa
For Villa, the timing of this development is not a surprise. Unai Emery is desperate to add a fast, elite-level forward to his frontline. While there is interest in other targets, a proven Premier League operator like Gakpo represents a different tier of market opportunity.
Gakpo’s versatility remains a key draw. Capable of playing effortlessly off the left flank, leading the line as a central striker, or operating as a fluid second forward, the Dutchman matches the exact flexibility Emery demands from his attacking players.
The chance to secure an established international with immense physical presence and technical refinement is a prospect the Villa recruitment team may not ignore.
Financial constraints
However, while Villa has been informed of Gakpo’s unrest, any potential deal would be difficult. Gakpo possesses a long-term contract at Anfield running until 2030, and his market value sits firmly around the €60 million (£51.5 million) mark.
Furthermore, TEAMtalk indicates that other clubs are also swirling, such as Tottenham, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, AC Milan, RB Leipzig, Besiktas and Fenerbahce.
Strict financial constraints heavily dictate Villa’s own transfer window. Having to tightly navigate UEFA’s Squad Cost Rules and Football Earning Rules makes the Villans’ budget limited. Spending a large sum on one player seems unlikely.
For a deal of Gakpo’s magnitude to materialise, Liverpool must heavily reduce the price, though they don’t seem prepared to do so.
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Overall, securing Gakpo’s signature feels like an unrealistic prospect for Villa. Navigating tight financial boundaries means the club must be smart, leaving little room to match Liverpool’s premium price tag.
Furthermore, devoting a massive portion of their restricted summer resources to one marquee signing would restrict necessary recruitment elsewhere.
Additionally, the potential of a multi-club bidding war involving top continental sides will inevitably inflate the Dutchman’s valuation. Consequently, unless the Reds drastically slash their asking price, Emery will target more affordable, realistic profiles to bolster his ranks instead.
